Performing arts find an expression through the lens of publisher-author-photographer Naveen Kishore at an exhibition scheduled to open at Emami Art on April 25.
In a Cannibal Time is a window into Kishore’s way of expressing as well as documenting performing arts. The preview, to be held from 4pm to 8pm on April 28, will see Kishore in conversation with author Ranjit Hoskote from 6pm. The photography exhibition is a collaboration between Emami Art and Chatterjee and Lal.
“This body of work is an attempt to create awareness. Of such moments in time. Both as witness and helpless bystander,” Kishore told My Kolkata, when asked how he would define In a Cannibal Time.
Preparations are on for the exhibition, which is a collaboration between Emami Art and Chatterjee and Lal Pooja Mitra
The photographs curated for the exhibition were taken by Kishore over the last two decades. While a common thread between the three sets of photographs is performing arts, the nature of each set of photographs is entirely different from the others. Ranging from his spontaneous creative expression at a room in Seagull Books, Kolkata, to documenting Chapal Bhaduri, and a series of plays in Manipur — In a Cannibal Time is as reflective as it is introspective. The use of smoke, light, movement and shadow in the photographs reiterate the creative genius of Kishore.
Kishore's photographs on jatra artiste Chapal Bhaduri and the making of Kali idols in Kumartuli Pooja Mitra
Visitors to the exhibition can also see Kishore’s documentary on jatra artiste Chapal Bhaduri. Kali sculptures shot in Kumartuli, amalgamated with the photographs of Bhaduri, form a unique projection of breaking gender norms and reshaping the idea of femininity. The photographs of Bhaduri are also a testament to a dying genre of Bengal’s folk theatre. What catches one’s eye are the tell-tale eyes of Bhaduri, telling you in silence the journey of becoming and unbecoming Chapal Rani.
The amalgamation of colour and monotone, the exact amount of light on the frames, the keen eye for detail — whether it be font, lettering, frame positioning — to being hands-on helping the crew, the preview was also a sneak peek into Kishore, the artist in action, taking stock and being completely absorbed in giving shape to only a fragment of his life’s work.
Among the collection is a set of photographs showcasing Manipuri theatre
In a Cannibal Time is not a photography exhibition that keeps you on your feet, moving easily from one photograph to another. It is an artistic expression documenting anguish. The photographs are statements in themselves. Every frame is a story on its own, and as you try to absorb the story behind each one, chances are you are narrating to yourself a personal understanding of what Naveen Kishore’s In a Cannibal Time means to you.
The exhibition is on till June 25.
Address: Emami Art, ground floor, Kolkata Center For Creativity, 777 Anandapur, Adarsha Nagar, EM Bypass, Kolkata, West Bengal 700100
Time: 4 to 8 pm (Closed on Sundays)